Charlie Woolley, who specializes in rehabbing
historic buildings, has earned a reputation as one of Denver's most creative and
thoughtful developers. For his latest effort, he poured $20 million into the three former
Karmen Western Wear buildings on Wazee Street between 15th and 16th streets -- which he's
dubbed the Hardware Block -- and turned them into lofts, offices and stores. But the
project was no ordinary one. With the help of architect Josh Comfort, Woolley has
transformed the former eyesores into showplaces. For instance, the tawdry fake stone that
long covered one of the buildings has been removed, revealing red brick, and a long-lost
cornice was restored to another of the structures. That's a nice development in a
wonderful part of town. This is a loft conversion from 2002. The building has 22 luxury
lofts with underground heated parking.